Pickup cab mount pack

ABSTRACT

A cover for a truck bed that can be horizontally traversed between expanded and collapsed positions is shown. Since the cover is horizontally traversed, the person manipulating the cover need not lift the cover vertically in order to reconfigure the cover between the expanded and collapsed positions. Women and elderly people who are generally not as strong as men can manipulate the cover.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/403,923, filed on 2021 Aug. 17, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/557,223,filed on 2019 Aug. 30, which is a continuation application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/215,583, filed on 2018 Dec. 10, which isa continuation in part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/935,434, filed on 2018 Mar. 26, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/686,009, filed on 2017 Aug. 24, which isa continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/593,657,filed on 2017 May 12, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/340,157, filed on 2016 Nov. 1, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/177,268, filed on 2016 Jun. 8, whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/047,519, filedon 2016 Feb. 18, which is a continuation in part application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/866,660, filed on 2015 Sep. 25, which isa continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/626,731, filed 2015 Feb. 19, the contents of which areexpressly incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

The various embodiments and aspects described herein relate to anaccessory for a truck bed.

Various accessories exist for truck beds in order to increase theutility of the truck bed. By way of example and not limitation, a hardshell for a truck bed may be installed on the truck bed in order tocreate an enclosed space. The enclosed space is protected from theenvironment and may provide minimal security. Other options such as aflat cover may be mounted to the upper periphery of the truck bed.However, these solutions are generally permanent in the sense that thehard shell and flat cover cannot be easily removed when an open truckbed is desired. For example, when moving furniture or other large items,it would be desirable that a flat cover and hard shell not be mounted tothe truck bed so that the truck bed can carry the oversized item.Unfortunately, these semi-permanent flat cover and hard shell optionsare difficult to remove due to weight and other factors.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved cover for atruck bed.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The various embodiments and aspects described herein address the needsdiscussed above, discussed below and those that are known in the art.

A collapsible truck bed cover may be mounted to a truck bed. Thecollapsible truck bed cover is traversable between expanded andcollapsed positions. The traversal of a collapsible truck bed cover ishorizontal, and thus, does not require great strength in order totraverse the cover between the expanded and collapsed positions. Theuser need only slide the cover in the horizontal direction. As such,smaller framed people or those that are not as strong can easilytraverse the cover to the collapsed position when an open bed is desiredor easily traverse the cover to the expanded position when an enclosedspace is desired.

More particularly, a collapsible cover for a bed of a truck isdisclosed. The cover may comprise first and second rails, first andsecond rigid members, a middle portion, a plurality of rigid framemembers or support structures and a latch. The first and second railsmay be attached to first and second sidewalls of the bed of the truck.The first rigid member of the cover may be attached to a forward portionof the bed of the truck. The first rigid member may have an inverted Ushaped configuration corresponding to outer walls and a roof of a cab ofthe truck. The second rigid member of the cover may be slidablyconnected to the first and second rails which are attached to first andsecond sidewalls of the bed of the truck. The second rigid member mayhave the inverted U shaped configuration. The second rigid member may behorizontally slidable between collapsed and expanded positions. Thesecond rigid member may be disposed closer to the first rigid memberthan a tailgate of the bed of the truck when the second rigid member isat the collapsed position. The second rigid member may be disposedcloser to the tailgate of the bed of the truck than the first rigidmember when the second rigid member is at the expanded position. Themiddle portion may be fabricated from a flexible sheet and configured tohave the inverted U shape configuration. The first end portion of themiddle portion may be attached to the first rigid member and a secondend portion of the middle portion may be attached to the second rigidmember. The middle portion may be traversed between collapsed andexpanded configurations. In the collapsed configuration, the middleportion may be folded on each other and tucked under the first and/orsecond rigid members. In the expanded configuration, the second rigidmember may be at the expanded position and the middle portion may bestretched out between the first and second rigid members.

The plurality of rigid frame members may be configured to have theinverted U shaped configuration. The plurality of rigid frame membersmay be intermittently attached to the middle portion to support themiddle portion when the middle portion and the second rigid member areat the expanded position. The plurality of rigid frame members may behorizontally slidably connected to the left and right rails which areattached to the left and right sidewalls of the bed of the truck. Thelatch may be attached to the first and second rigid members for securingthe second rigid member at the collapsed position and the middle portionin the collapsed configuration.

The second rigid member may be releasably latched to the first rigidmember. The second rigid member may have a window pivotable about anupper portion of the second rigid member. The window may be latched toeither the tailgate or sides of the second rigid member.

The first and second end portions of the shell may be sealed to thefirst and second rigid members so as to be waterproof.

The second rigid member may further comprise a handle for gripping thesecond rigid member when the second rigid member is being traversedeither to the collapsed position or the expanded position.

The cover may defined an enclosed space over the truck bed when thecover is mounted to the truck bed and the cover traversed to an expandedposition.

The first and second rigid members may be fabricated from a fiberglassmaterial, carbon fiber material, aluminum, steel, metallic material orcombinations thereof.

The middle portion of the cover may extend over the first and secondsidewalls of the truck bed. The first rigid member may have a skirt thatextends over the first and second sidewalls of the truck bed from firstand second side walls of the first rigid member. The cover may furthercomprise a seal that extends outward and creates a barrier with the cab.

In another aspect, a method of reconfiguring a cover for a truck bedbetween a covered configuration and an open bed configuration isdisclosed. The method may comprise the steps of unlatching first andsecond rigid members from each other from a collapsed position, each ofthe first and second rigid members having an inverted U shapedconfiguration; horizontally sliding the second rigid member away fromthe first rigid member; locking the second rigid member in an expandedposition.

In the method, the unlatching step may include the step of actuating alever to unlatch the first and second rigid members from each other. Thehorizontal sliding step may include the step of sliding the second rigidmember over ball bearings incorporated into the first and second rails.

According to another embodiment, a collapsible truck cover for a bed ofa truck includes a first rigid member that is attachable to a rearwardportion of a cab of a truck. The first rigid member may be of aconfiguration corresponding to the outer walls and roof of the cab. Thefirst rigid member may include a first set of apertures configured to bealigned with a corresponding second set of apertures formed on the cab.

The truck cover may include a plurality of mechanical fasteners, whereineach mechanical fastener may be advanced through a respective one of thefirst set of apertures, and a corresponding respective one of the secondset of apertures for securing the first rigid member to the cab.

The first end portion of the middle portion may be adapted to becaptured between the first rigid member and the cab when the first rigidmember is attached to the cab.

The method may further comprise the step of fixedly mounting the firstrigid member to the truck bed.

According to yet another embodiment, there is provided a collapsiblecover for a bed of a truck. The cover comprises first and second railsattachable to respective first and second sidewalls of the bed of thetruck. A first rigid member of the cover is fixedly securable to a cabof the truck such that the first rigid member is substantially immovablerelative to cab when secured thereto. The first rigid member is of aconfiguration corresponding to outer walls and a roof of the cab of thetruck. A second rigid member of the cover is slidably connected to thefirst and second rails. The second rigid member is of a complimentaryconfiguration relative to the first rigid member. The second rigidmember is horizontally slidable between collapsed and expandedpositions, with the second rigid member being closer to the first rigidmember than a tailgate of the bed of the truck when the second rigidmember is at the collapsed position, and the second rigid member beingcloser to the tailgate of the bed of the truck than the first rigidmember when the second rigid member is at the expanded position. Amiddle portion is fabricated from a flexible sheet, with a first endportion of the middle portion being attached to the first rigid memberand a second end portion of the middle portion being attached to thesecond rigid member. The middle portion is traversable between collapsedand expanded configurations. In the collapsed configuration, the middleportion is tucked under the first and/or second rigid members, and inthe expanded configuration, the second rigid member is at the expandedposition and the middle portion being stretched out between the firstand second rigid members. A plurality of rigid frame members areintermittently attached to the middle portion to support the middleportion when the middle portion and the second rigid member are at theexpanded configuration and expanded position, respectively. Theplurality of rigid frame members are horizontally slideably connectedthe left and right rails attachable to the left and right sidewalls ofthe bed of the truck. A latch is integrated into the second rigid memberfor securing the second rigid member at the collapsed position and themiddle portion in the collapsed configuration.

According to still another embodiment, there is provided a vehiclecomprising a cab having a forward end portion, a rear wall opposite theforward end portion, and a roof having an overhang portion extendingaway from the forward end portion beyond the rear wall, with the rearwall and the overhang portion collectively defining a cab cavity. A bedextends from a rear portion of the cab and includes opposed first andsecond sidewalls. A collapsible cover is coupled to the cab and includesa rigid member slidably connected to the first and second sidewalls ofthe bed and being selectively transitional between collapsed andexpanded positions. The rigid member moves closer to the cab as therigid member transitions from the expanded position toward the collapsedposition. A flexible portion is fabricated from a flexible sheet andincludes a first end portion fixedly securable to the rear wall of thecab and a second end portion attached to the rigid member. The flexibleportion is traversable between collapsed and expanded configurations inresponse to transition of the rigid member between the collapsed andexpanded positions, respectively, with the second end portion movingaway from the cab as the flexible portion transitions from the collapsedconfiguration toward the expanded configuration. An attachment member issecurable to the first end portion of the flexible portion and the rearwall of the cab for fixedly securing the flexible portion to the rearwall of the cab. A plurality of rigid frame members are intermittentlyattached to the flexible portion to support the flexible portion whenthe flexible portion and the rigid member are at the expandedconfiguration and expanded position, respectively. A latch is integratedinto the second rigid member for securing the second rigid member at thecollapsed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodimentsdisclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the followingdescription and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like partsthroughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a truck with a cover in a collapsedposition mounted to a truck bed;

FIG. 2 illustrates the cover being traversed to an expanded position;

FIG. 3 illustrates the cover at the expanded position;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the cover, rails and truckbed;

FIG. 5 illustrates the cover in the expanded position with a window andtailgate in an opened position;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the truck bed cover traversed to theexpanded position of the rod for stabilizing the second rigid member;

FIG. 7A is an upper perspective, partially exploded view of a secondembodiment of a truck bed cover adapted to be attached to a rearwardportion of a cab of a truck;

FIG. 7B is an upper perspective, partially exploded view of analternative mounting system for the truck bed cover depicted in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of a first rigid member of thesecond embodiment of the truck bed cover of attached to the rearwardportion of the cab of the truck;

FIG. 9 is an upper perspective, partially exploded view of a thirdembodiment of a truck bed cover attachable to a cab of a truck;

FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of the third embodiment of thetruck bed cover, wherein a shell is detached from the cab for purposesof illustrating an end flap;

FIG. 11 is an upper perspective view of an internal reinforcement memberpositioned adjacent a rear wall of a cab, the truck being shown inphantom;

FIG. 12 is an upper perspective view of an automation system adapted toeffectuate automated transition of the truck bed cover between expandedand collapsed positions; and

FIG. 13 is an upper perspective view of an embodiment of a truck bedcover having a detachable window integrated into a shell;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a cab mounted truck bed cover;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cab mounted truck bed cover with ashell disposed above a plurality of telescoping support structures;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the cab mounted truck bed cover and theshell with the shell being positioned over the telescoping supportstructures;

FIG. 17 illustrates snaps of the shell being attached to snaps attachedto the truck bed;

FIG. 18 illustrates the snaps of the shell connected to the snapsattached to the truck bed;

FIG. 19 illustrates a first half of a zipper attached to the shell beingengaged a second half of the zipper attached to a cab, sidewalls of thetruck bed and a second rigid member;

FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of the cab mounted truck bedcover with the second rigid member positioned closer to the cab than atailgate;

FIG. 21 illustrates the second rigid member being traversed to a backend of the truck bed adjacent to the tailgate;

FIG. 22 illustrates a rigid shell attachable to the cab and the secondrigid member;

FIG. 23 illustrates the rigid shell being disposed between the cab andthe second rigid member;

FIG. 24 illustrates the rigid shell disposed between and secured betweenthe cab and the second rigid member;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a truck;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the truck shown in FIG. 25 with aremovably attachable cover and a window storage container mounted to abed of the truck;

FIG. 27 illustrates removal of a plurality of windows from the storagecontainer;

FIG. 28 illustrates the cover being traversed to the deployed positionwith windows positioned outside of the truck bed;

FIG. 29 illustrates the windows mounted to the shell and the secondrigid member;

FIG. 29A illustrates an inner frame of a window shown in FIG. 28 ;

FIG. 29B illustrates an outer frame of the window shown in FIG. 28 ;

FIG. 29C illustrates a cross section of the window shown in FIG. 29 ;and

FIG. 30 illustrates the cover in the deployed position and the windowsin an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, a collapsible truck bed cover 10 isshown. The cover 10 is traversable between a collapsed position (seeFIG. 1 ) and an expanded position (see FIG. 3 ). In the collapsedposition, the cover 10 is compact and disposed immediately adjacent acab 12 of the truck 14. In the expanded position, the cover 10 is spreadopen over an entire length of a bed 16 of the truck 14. The cover 10 canbe locked in the collapsed position or the expanded position dependingon the use desired or its normal preferred default position.Additionally, the cover 10 by being horizontally collapsible allows thedriver to deploy the cover 10 to the expanded position and vice versawithout much effort of time and strength. Accordingly, smaller framedpeople such as women and the elderly would be able to easily traversethe cover 10 in the horizontal direction between the collapsed andexpanded positions to configure the cover 10 depending on the use of thetruck bed 16. Smaller framed people would not be able to remove a heavyflat cover or hard shell from a truck bed 16. Smaller framed people neednot commit themselves to having a prior art heavy hard shell or priorart cover permanently mounted to the bed 16 of the truck 14 or leavingthe bed 16 open for receiving larger items. The user can keep the cover10 in the collapsed position in order to take advantage of the fullbenefit of an open bed 16 of the truck 14. Alternatively, the user caneasily traverse the cover to the expanded position in order to providean enclosed space over the bed 16 of the truck 14. The traversal of thecover 10 between the collapsed and expanded positions is horizontal. Assuch, the user need not lift the cover 10 up or down. As such, evensmaller framed people can reconfigure the cover 10 as desired, namely,to the collapsed position for an opened bed configuration or to theexpanded position for an enclosed space.

More particularly, referring now to FIG. 1 , the cover 10 may have firstand second rigid members 18, 20. The first and second rigid members 18,20 may have a generally inverted U-shaped configuration. Both the firstand second rigid members 18, 20 are securable to the first and secondside walls 22, 24 of the truck bed 16. The first rigid member 18 isrigidly fixed to the first and second side walls 22, 24 of the truck bed16. By way of example and not limitation, the lower distal end portionsof the first rigid member 18 may be bolted to upper surfaces or lips ofthe first and second side walls 22, 24. In this regard, the uppersurfaces or lips of the first and second side walls 22, 24 of the truckbed 16 may be drilled to form a hole through which the bolts are used tohold the first rigid member 18 down onto the upper surfaces or lips ofthe first and second side walls 22, 24. Alternatively, the first rigidmember 18 may have a clamping mechanism which does not require a throughhole to be drilled through the lips of the first and second side walls22, 24 of the truck bed 16. Instead, the clamping mechanism reachesunder the lips of the left and right side walls 22, 24 and draws thefirst rigid member 18 downward in order to clamp the first rigid member18 to the lips of the first and second side walls 22, 24. Moreover, thelower distal end portions of the first rigid member 18 may be sized andconfigured to have a corresponding shape and size of the truck bed. Aseal may be disposed between the lower distal end portions of the firstrigid member 18 and the upper surfaces or lips of the first and secondside walls 22, 24 of the truck bed 16. The seal may be a rubberizedgasket. Alternatively, the lower distal end portions of the first rigidmember 18 may have a skirt which overhangs the first and second sidewalls 22, 24 so that water cascades off of the first rigid member 18 andonto the skirt and onto the first and second side walls 22, 24.

Additionally, the first rigid member 18 may have a rubber gasket thatextends outward toward the cab 12 and forms a seal therewith in order toprevent or substantially eliminate rainwater from entering the enclosedspace under the cover 10 when the cover 10 is traversed to the expandedposition. When the cover 10 is installed on the truck bed 16, the firstrigid member 18 does not move and remains stationarily fixed andattached to the truck bed 16.

The first rigid member 18 may have first and second side walls 26, 28.The second side wall 28 is not fully shown in the drawings but has amirror image of the first side wall 26 about a vertical plane located ata midpoint of the first rigid member 18. The first rigid member 18 mayhave two latches that are used to secure the second rigid member 20 inthe collapsed position shown in FIG. 1 . The latches hold the first andsecond side walls 30, 32 of the second rigid member 20 to the first andsecond side walls 26, 28 of the first rigid member 18 to ensure that thesecond rigid member 18 remains in the collapsed position while theautomobile is being driven and also during minor accidents. The latchescan be disengaged by levers 34 on the first and second sidewalls 26, 28.The lever 34 on the second side wall 28 of the first rigid member 18 isnot shown but is identical to the lever 34 mounted to the first sidewall 26.

The first and second rigid members 18, 20 may be fabricated fromfiberglass, carbon fiber, aluminum, steel, metallic materials and othermaterials that are known in the art or developed in the future that areweather resistant and substantially rigid in order to allow for minorimpacts without cracking or breakage.

The second rigid member 20 may have a shape that corresponds to theshape of the first rigid member 18. Moreover, the first and second rigidmembers 18, 20 may have a shape that corresponds to an outer shape ofthe cab 12 of the truck 14. The height of the first and second rigidmembers 18, 20 may be at about the same height of a roof of the cabin 12or may be up to about 12 to 24 inches higher than the roof of the cab12. When the second rigid member 20 is traversed to the expandedposition, the first and second rigid members 18, 20 and the shell 36form an enclosed volume over the truck bed 16. The second rigid member20 is slidably attached to the first and second side walls 22, 24 of thetruck bed 16, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . In particular, first andsecond rails 40, 42 are secured to the upper surfaces or lips of thefirst and second side walls 22, 24 of the truck bed 16. The first andsecond rails 40, 42 may be secured thereto by being bolted thereto orclamped to upper lips of the first and second side walls 22, 24 of thetruck bed 16.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , the first and second rails 40, 42 may have anenlarged nub 44 that is inserted into a keyhole shaped slot 46 formed inthe sidewalls 22, 24. The enlarged nubs 44 are inserted into the keyholeshaped slots 46 and slid into position to prevent removal of the firstand second rails 40, 42 off of the first and second side walls 22, 24 ofthe truck bed 16. Other alternatives for attaching the rails 40, 42 tothe lips of the sidewalls 22, 24 that are known in the art may also beused, such as clips, adhesives, clamps, etc. The first and second rails40, 42 have an elongate groove 48. The elongate grooves 48 of the firstand second rails 40, 42 have a wedge-shaped cross-sectionalconfiguration that meets with a corresponding shaped protrusion 50formed on the lower distal end portions of the second rigid member 20.The protrusions 50 have a tight fit within the grooves 48 so that thesecond rigid member 20 does not excessively rattle or shake when thesecond rigid member 20 is traversed to the expanded position. However,the fit between the protrusion 50 and the groove 48 is loose to allowthe second rigid member 20 to be easily traversed back and forth by handbetween the expanded and collapsed positions. The first and second rails40, 42 may also be retrofitted with ball bearings that support theweight of the second rigid member 20 to further facilitate ease ofhorizontal traversal between the collapsed and expanded positions. Bydoing so, the cover 10 can remain permanently on the truck bed 16 andallow the user to store the cover 10 in the collapsed position when alarge object is placed in the truck bed 16. Also, the cover 10 can beeasily traversed to the expanded position when an object is placed onthe truck bed 16 and needs to be protected from the environment orhidden from sight.

The second rigid member 20 may also have handles 52. The handle 52 onthe second side wall 32 of the second rigid member 20 is not shown butmay be identical to the handle 52 shown on the first side wall 30 of thesecond rigid member 20. Handles 52 may be gripped by a person to aid theperson in easily sliding the second rigid member 20 between the expandedand collapsed positions by hand.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the cover 10 forms an enclosed volume over thetruck bed 16. The enclosed volume is partially defined by the first andsecond rigid members 18, 20. However, a majority of the enclosed spaceis defined by shell 36 that can be extended when the second rigid member20 is traversed to the expanded position. The shell 36 is a flexiblesheet material made to be waterproof. The shell 36 may extend from thefirst side wall 22 to the second side wall 24 and lap over the first andsecond side walls 22, 24 of the truck bed 16 so that rainwater or waterthat falls on top of the shell 36 can cascade off of the shell 36 andonto the first and second side walls 22, 24. The shell 36 is supportedby a plurality of support structures 54. The shell 36 is draped over thesupport structures 54 so that the shell 36 is not supported merely bytension between the first and second rigid member 18, 20 and does notsag downward. The support structures 54 are secured to the shell so thatthe shell 36 slides the support structures 54 along the first and secondrails 40, 42. The support structures 54 may be slidably attached to thefirst and second rails 40, 42 in the same manner that the second rigidmember 20 is slidably attached to the first and second rails 40, 42. Inparticular, the support structures 54 may have a protrusion that extendsinto the grooves 48 of the first and second rails 40, 42. The shell 36may also be hermetically sealed to the first and second rigid members18, 20.

In the collapsed position shown in FIG. 1 , the shell 36 and pluralityof support structures 54 are tucked under the first and/or second rigidmembers 18, 20. As such, even though the support structures 54 have asimilar configuration compared to the first and second rigid members 18,20, namely an inverted U-shaped configuration, the support structures 54are smaller than the first and second rigid members 18, 20 so that thesupport structures 54 can be tucked under the first and/or second rigidmembers 18, 20 when the cover 10 is traversed to the collapsed position.In this regard, a length of the first and/or second rigid members 18, 20is sufficient to tuck the shell 36 and the plurality of supportstructures 54 thereunder. By way of example and not limitation, thelength of the first rigid member 18 may be about 4 to 12 inches and thelength of the second rigid member 18 may also be about 4 to 12 inches.

The cover 10 may also have a window 56 that is pivotable about an upperhorizontal section 58 of the second rigid member 20. The window 56 ispivotable to an up position shown in FIG. 4 or a down position shown inFIG. 1 . In the up position, the window 56 can be biased to the upposition by a shock or other support known in the art or developed inthe future. Moreover, in the down position shown in FIG. 1 , a latch maybe engaged in order to lock the window 56 in the down position whiledriving and also to provide minimal security for the volume defined bythe truck bed 16 and cover 10 when the cover 10 is traversed to theexpanded position.

As discussed above, the second rigid member 20 may be locked in theexpanded position so that the cover 10 does not collapse while drivingor during minor accidents. In order to lock the second rigid member 20to the expanded position, the lower distal end portions of the secondrigid member 20 may have a clamp that is removably attachable to thelips of the first and second side walls 22, 24 of the truck bed 16. Theclamp is engaged to the lips of the first and second side walls 22, 24of the truck bed when it is desired that the cover 10 be locked in theexpanded position. In order to traverse the second rigid member 20 tothe collapsed position, the clamp is removed so that the second rigidmember 20 can be traversed toward the first rigid member 18.Alternatively, triggers can be incorporated into the handles 54 thatactuate the clamp via existing triggers and clamps known in the art ordeveloped in the future.

In use, the rails 40, 42 are mounted to the first and second side walls20, 24 of the truck bed 16. Moreover, the cover 10 is mounted to thetruck bed 16 and the first and second rails 40, 42. The cover 10 can betraversed to the collapsed position and remain in the collapsed positionuntil it is desired for the cover 10 to be traversed to the expandedposition. In the collapsed position, the driver or user can utilize thefull area of the truck bed 16 for carrying large objects and forconveniently placing objects on or taking objects out of the truck bed16. If the user wants to form an enclosed area above the truck bed 16,the user can traverse the cover 10 to the expanded position. At whichtime, the user unlocks the latch by activating the levers 34. Thehandles 52 are gripped and traversed toward the tailgate to move thesecond rigid member 20 away from the first rigid member 18, as shown inFIG. 2 . This can be a one or two man operation. For a two-manoperation, each person can activate the lever 34 to disengage the latchand grab the handle 52 and slowly slide the second rigid member 22 tothe expanded position. Once the second rigid member 20 is in theexpanded position, the second rigid member can be locked in place asshown above. Conversely, to traverse the second rigid member 22 to thecollapsed position, the user releases the clamping mechanism used tolock the second rigid member 22 in the expanded position. The user gripsthe handle 52 and slowly slides the second rigid member 22 to thecollapsed position. At the collapsed position, the latches which areactivated by levers 34 secure the first and second rigid members 22, 24together.

The cover 10 may also have a third taillight 60 electrically connectedto the electrical system of the truck 14 and operative to illuminatewhen a brake pedal of the truck 14 is depressed.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , the first and second rigid members 18, 20 aredisposed at opposite ends of the truck bed 16 in the expanded position.The upper ends of the first and second rigid members 18,20 may be bracedwith a rod 60. The rod 60 has a distal end that is insertable into afixture 62 that protrudes downward from an interior side of the firstrigid member 18. The rod 60 extends to a second fixture 64 and isinsertable into the second fixture 64 and secured thereto by way of aset screw or other mechanism known in the art or developed in the futurefor securing the rod 60 into the fixture 64. The fixture 64 may extenddownward from an interior of the second rigid member 20. The fixtures62, 64 may be a protrusion with a through hole or recess which canreceive the rod 60. Another means for securing the rod 60 to thefixtures 62, 64 contemplates a reduced diameter pin at the distalportion of the rod 60 which fits within a hole of the fixture 62. Thereduced diameter pin of the rod 60 at the distal portion thereof isfreely rotatable within the hole of the fixture 62. The upper end of thesecond rigid member 20 may be slightly moved backwards so that aproximal portion of the rod 60 can be inserted into a threaded hole ofthe fixture 64. The proximal portion of the rod 60 may be threaded andmate with the threaded hole formed in the fixture 64. The rod 60 may berotated to thread the proximal threaded portion of the rod 60 into thethreaded hole of the fixture 64. Thereafter, lock nut 66 may betightened in order to prevent the proximal threaded portion of the rod60 from coming loose out of the threaded hole of the fixture 64. The rod60 provides rigidity to the second rigid member 20 so that the secondrigid member 20 does not sway or move while driving and also duringminor accidents.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8 , there is depicted a secondembodiment of a collapsible truck bed cover 110. FIGS. 9-10 illustratean integrated first rigid member 118 integrated or integral to the cab12, whereas FIGS. 7A-8 illustrate the first rigid member 118 as beingseparate from the cab 12 and attached thereto. The collapsible truck bedcover 110, 240 shown in FIGS. 7A-10 illustrates the shell 136 bsupported by support structures slidably attached to the rails 40, 42.FIGS. 14-19 illustrate the shell 546 supported by telescoping supportstructures attached to the cab 212 and the second rigid member 244. Thecab shown in FIGS. 14-19 is shown as having the first rigid member beingintegrated into the cab 12. However, it is also contemplated that thefirst rigid member may be a separate component and attached to the cab12 as discussed above in relation to FIGS. 7A-8 . The primarydistinction between the truck bed cover 110 shown in FIGS. 7A-10 andFIGS. 14-19 relative to the truck bed cover 10 shown in FIGS. 1-6 isthat the second embodiment of the truck bed cover 110, 240 isspecifically configured and adapted to be secured directly to the truckcab 12 either with an integrated first rigid member 118 shown in FIGS. 9and 10 or a separate first rigid member 118 shown in FIG. 7A-8 . Theattachment of the truck bed cover 110, 240 directly to the truck cab 12and not solely to the truck bed allows the shell 136 to twist and bendas the cab 12 twists and turns with respect to the truck bed 16 as thetruck 14 is driven over a roadway that might be uneven. In this manner,forces generated by the cab 12 are not transferred to the truck bed 16through the shell 136, 246 due to the flexibility of the shell 136, 246.Additionally, the truck bed cover 10 is significantly more secured tothe truck 14 compared to a cover 110 that is solely attached to thetruck bed and not to the cab 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-8 , the truck bed cover 110 includes a firstrigid member 118, a second rigid member 120, and a shell 136 extendablebetween the first and second rigid members 118, 120. As shown in FIGS.7A, the shell 136 is shown in a collapsed configuration and detachedfrom the first rigid member 118 to better illustrate the first rigidmember 118. The first rigid member 118 includes a first sidewall 126, asecond sidewall 128, and a top wall 127 extending between the first andsecond sidewalls 126, 128. The outer configuration of the first rigidmember 118 generally conforms to the configuration of the cab sidewalls13, 15, and the cab roof 17. In particular, the distance between theouter surfaces of the first and second sidewalls 126, 128 issubstantially the same as the distance between the outer surfaces of thecab sidewalls 13, 15. The first rigid member 118 may include a handle124 coupled to one or both of the first and second sidewalls 126, 128,with the handle 124 being useful transitioning the second rigid member120 between the expanded and collapsed positions.

The first rigid member 118 further includes an inner flange 125 having afirst side flange segment 131 extending along an inner surface of thefirst sidewall 126, a second side flange segment 133 extending along aninner surface of the second sidewall 128, and a top flange segment 135extending along an inner surface of the top wall 127. An optional bottomsegment 137 extends between the first and second side flange segments131, 133 in opposed spaced relation to the top flange segment 135. Theflange segments 131, 133, 135, 137 collectively define an opening 139which is generally complimentary to the configuration of the rear windowof the cab 12, with the flange segments 131, 133, 135, 137 completelycircumnavigating the opening 139. In embodiments that do not include abottom segment 137, the flange segments 131, 133, 135 may only partiallyextend around the opening 139, with the opening 139 being unboundedalong the bottom thereof.

The first rigid member 118 includes a forward edge 141 facing toward thecab 12 when the first rigid member 118 is attached thereto, and anopposing rearward edge 143 which faces away from the cab 12 when thefirst rigid member 118 is attached thereto. According to one embodiment,the inner flange 125 is located between the forward and rearward edges141, 143 such that rearward portion of the sidewalls 126, 128 and topwall 127 collectively define an overhang segment between the innerflange 125 and the rearward edge 143, which is adapted to at leastpartially receive the shell 136 when second rigid member 120 is in thecollapsed position.

The inner flange 125 includes a first set of apertures 145 formedtherein, with the first set of apertures 145 including at least oneaperture, and preferably several apertures, along each segment 131, 133,135, 137 thereof. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7A, the cab 12includes a complimentary second set of apertures 147 predrilled thereinalong opposed side and top regions of a rearward face of the cab 12,with each aperture 147 being adapted to receive a fastener 149. Thefirst set of apertures 145 and second set of aperture 147 are arrangedsuch that the first and second set of apertures 145, 147 are coaxiallyaligned with each other when the first rigid member 118 is attached tothe cab 12. In particular, a plurality of fasteners 149 may be insertedinto respective ones of the first and second aperture 145, 147 toeffectuate attachment of the first rigid member 118 to the cab 12. Thefasteners 149 may include screws, rivets, bolts, or other fastenersknown in the art. The attachment of the first rigid member 118 directlyto the cab 12 via the fasteners 149 provides a fixed, rigidinterconnection therebetween. In particular, the first rigid member 118is fixedly securable to the cab 12 at multiple locations, preferably,along the sides and top of the first rigid member 118, and optionallyalong the bottom of the first rigid member 118. In this respect, thefirst rigid member 118 and the cab 18 essentially become a singleintegrated unit, with the first rigid member 118 moving in concert withthe cab 18. Thus, even if the truck 14 were to travel over a bump road,the first rigid member 118 moves with the cab 12. Furthermore, theattachment of the first rigid member 118 to multiple locations on thecab 12 distributes the load transfer between the first rigid member 118and the cab 12, resulting in a more structurally sound attachment. Theshell 136 is not a single rigid piece. Rather, the shell 136 can flexand twist so that the twisting and turning of the cab 12 when the truck14 travels over uneven terrain does not transfer energy from thetwisting and turning cab to the second rigid member 120. The shell 136behaves as a buffer to prevent any forces from the movement of the cab12 from being disbursed into the truck bed 16 and/or the second rigidmember 120.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, there is depicted an alternative for mountingthe first rigid member 118 to the cab 12. In particular, FIG. 7B shows aplurality of mounting elements which may be used when the cab 12 doesnot include predrilled apertures 147.

Each mounting element 180 includes a boss 182 extending from a baseplate 184, with the boss 182 defining a boss aperture. The boss 182 isinternally threaded and is adapted to threadingly engage externallythreaded fasteners. The base plate 184 includes a plurality of aperturesformed therein, with the apertures preferably being located at adjacentan outer periphery of the base plate.

Each mounting element 180 is coupled to the cab 12 by securing the baseplate 184 to the outer surface of the rear wall of the cab 12 via screws186, nails, rivets or other mechanical fasteners. The mounting elements180 are positioned about the cab window, and are spaced in a mannerwhich corresponds to the spacing of the apertures 145 formed on thefirst rigid member 118. The first rigid member 118 is then secured tothe mounting elements 180 by advancing the shafts of fasteners 149through the apertures 145, and then threadingly engaging the fastenershafts to the boss 182 of a corresponding mounting element 180. Thus,the configuration depicted in FIG. 7B also allows the first rigid member118 to be fixedly secured to the cab 12, such that the cab 12 and thefirst rigid member 118 move in concert with each other and essentiallyform a single, integrated unit. Likewise, the shell 136 can flex andtwist so that the twisting and turning of the cab 12 with respect to thetruck bed when the trunk 14 travels over uneven terrain does nottransfer energy from the twisting and turning cab 12 to the second rigidmember 120.

The second rigid member 120 is coupled to the first and second rails 40,42 and includes a first sidewall 130, a second sidewall 132 and a topwall 134 extending between the first and second sidewalls 130, 132. Inthis respect, the second rigid member 120 defines a shape that is verysimilar to the first rigid member 118. A window 156 may be pivotallycoupled to the second rigid member 120 and define a shape that issimilar to the opening 139 defined by the first rigid member 118. Thefirst and second rigid members 118, 120 are preferably configured andarranged on the truck 14 such that the opening 139 and window 156 arealigned with each other to provide a clear line-of-sight through thecover 110.

The second rigid member 120 is slidably mounted upon rails 40, 42, withthe first sidewall 130 being slidably mounted to the first rail 40, andthe second sidewall 132 being slidably mounted to the second rail 42.According to one embodiment, each rail 40, 42 includes an elongategroove 48 extending medially along an axial length of the rail 40, 42and designed to mate with a corresponding laterally extending protrusion150 extending from respective ones of the first and second sidewalls130, 132. The groove-protrusion interconnection is similar to theinterconnection between the groove 48 and protrusion 50 described inmore detail above in relation to the first embodiment. In the priorembodiment, the groove 48 was shown as formed on an inner side of therails 40, 42. However, the groove 48 may alternatively be formed on anupper side of the rails 40, 42 and be vertically oriented. Theprotrusion 150 may extend vertically downward and engage the groove 48.The slideable attachment of the second rigid member 120 to the rails 40,42 enables selective movement of the second rigid member 120 betweenexpanded and collapsed positions, as described in more detail above.

The first and second rigid members 118, 120 are coupled to the shell136, with the first rigid member 118 being secured to a first endportion of the shell 136 and the second rigid member 120 being securedto a second end portion of the shell 136. The interconnection betweenthe shell 136 and the first and second rigid members 118, 120 may resultin a fluid interconnection therebetween. The shell 136 is similar to theshell 36 described above in relation to the first embodiment. In thisrespect, the shell 136 may be draped over support structures slidablyattached to the rails 40, 42, such that the shell 136 is not merelysupported by tension between the first and second rigid members 118, 120and does not sag downward. The shell 136 is supported by the supportstructures slidably attached to the rails 40, 42. Also, the supportstructures are not interconnected to each other such that any bendingand twisting of the shell 136 caused by the relative movements betweenthe cab 12 and the truck bed 16 does not cause forces from the cab 12 tobe transferred to the truck bed 16, and vice versa.

The process of deploying and stowing the cover 110 is similar to theprocess of deploying and stowing the cover 10 discussed above. In thecollapsed position, the shell 136 and plurality of support structuresare tucked under the first and/or second rigid members 118, 120. Assuch, the support structures have a similar configuration compared tothe first and second rigid members 118, 120, with the support structuresbeing smaller than the first and second rigid members 118, 120 so thatthe support structures can be tucked under the first and/or second rigidmembers 118, 120 when the cover 110 is traversed to the collapsedposition. In this regard, a length or segment of the first and/or secondrigid members 118, 120 is sufficiently small to tuck the shell 136 andthe plurality of support structures thereunder. For instance, therearwardly extending overhang segment of the may provide a structurewhich extends over at least a portion of the cover and the supportstructure(s) when the cover 110 is in the collapsed configuration.

From the collapsed configuration, the second rigid member 120 may slideaway from the first rigid member 118 and along the rails 40, 42 towardthe tailgate of the truck 14 to deploy the shell 136 over the cab 12 todefine an enclosure. Since the first rigid member 118 remains fixedlysecured to the cab 18, while the second rigid member 120 is attached torails 40, 42 of the truck bed, the shell 136 is configured to twist,flex, and bend relative to the cab 12 as the truck bed also twists,flexes and bends relative to the cab 12 during movement of a truck alonga road, particularly a bumpy road.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10 , there is shown a truck 210 having acab 212 including a rearward portion configured similar to the firstrigid members 18, 118 discussed above. In this respect, certainstructural features of the first rigid members 18, 118 are integrateddirectly into the design of the cab 212 as a unitary structure of thefirst rigid member 18, 118 and the cab 212.

In particular, the cab 212 includes a first sidewall 214, a secondsidewall 216, and a rear wall 218 extending between the first and secondsidewalls 214, 216. A roof 220 extends over the cab 212 and includes aforward end portion 222 disposed adjacent the windshield and a rearwardend portion 224 disposed adjacent a truck bed 226 and defining arearward edge 228. The rearward end portion 224 extends beyond the rearwall 218, such that the rearward edge 228 is offset from the rear wall218 to define an overhang segment, with the rear wall 218 and overhangsegment defining a cavity. A first set of apertures 230 is formed in thecab 212 within the rear wall 218 around a periphery of a rear window ofthe cab 212.

A cover 240 is adapted for use with the truck 210, with the cover 240generally including an attachment member 242 (e.g., a first rigidmember), a second rigid member 244 and a shell 246 extending between thefirst and second rigid members 242, 244

The attachment member 242 includes a first sidewall 248, a secondsidewall 250, and a top wall 252 extending between the first and secondsidewalls 248, 250. The configuration of the attachment member 242generally mirrors the portion of the cab rear wall 218 extending betweenthe rear window of the cab 212 and the sidewalls 214, 216 and the roof220.

The attachment member 242 includes a second set of apertures 254 formedtherein, with the second set of apertures 254 including at least oneaperture, and preferably several apertures, along each of the sidewalls248, 250 and the top wall 252. The second set of apertures 254 arecomplimentary to the first set of apertures 230 formed in the cab 212.The first set of apertures 230 and second set of apertures 254 arearranged such that the first and second set of apertures 230, 254 arecoaxially aligned with each other when the attachment member 242 isattached to the cab 212. A plurality of fasteners 256 may be insertedinto respective ones of the first and second apertures 230, 254 toeffectuate attachment of the attachment member 242 to the cab 212. Inthis respect, the attachment member 242 is fixedly secured to the cab212 via the fasteners 256, such that when the attachment member 242 issecured to the cab, the attachment member 242 and the cab 212essentially form a single integrated unit, with the attachment member242 moving in concert with cab 212.

The second rigid member 244 is coupled to the first and second rails 40,42 and includes a first sidewall 258, a second sidewall 260 and a topwall 262 extending between the first and second sidewalls 258, 260. Awindow 264 may be pivotally coupled to the second rigid member 244.

The second rigid member 244 is slidably mounted upon rails 40, 42, withthe first sidewall 258 being slidably mounted to the first rail 40, andthe second sidewall 260 being slidably mounted to the second rail 42.According to one embodiment, each rail 40, 42 includes an elongategroove 48 extending along an axial length of the rail 40, 42 anddesigned to mate with a corresponding protrusion 266 extending fromrespective ones of the first and second sidewalls 258, 260. Thegroove-protrusion interconnection is similar to the interconnectionbetween the groove 48 and protrusion 50 described in more detail abovein relation to the first and second embodiments. The slideableattachment of the second rigid member 244 to the rails 40, 42 enablesselective movement of the second rigid member 244 between expanded andcollapsed positions, as described in more detail above. Thegroove-protrusion interconnection is shown as being horizontallyoriented. However, it is also contemplated that the groove-protrusioninterconnection may be vertically oriented. The groove 48 may be formedon the top side of the rails 48, 50 and be oriented vertically. Theprotrusion 50 may be formed so as to be vertically oriented and slidewithin the groove 48.

The attachment member 242 and second rigid member 244 are coupled to theshell 246, with the attachment member 242 being secured to a first endportion of the shell 246 and the second rigid member 244 being securedto a second end portion of the shell 246. Referring now to FIG. 10 , thefirst end portion of the shell 246 includes an end flap 268 whichincludes a third set of apertures 270 formed therein. The third set ofapertures 270 is configured and arranged similar to the first and secondsets of apertures 230, 254 formed in the cab 212 and attachment member242, respectively.

When the cover 240 is attached to the truck 210, the end flap 268 iscaptured between the attachment member 242 and the rear wall 218 of thecab 212. In particular, the third set of apertures 270 is aligned withthe first set of apertures 230 formed in the cab 212 and the second setof apertures 254 formed in the attachment member 242 and the fasteners256 are advanced through the apertures 230, 254, 270 to secure the shell246 and attachment member 242 to the cab 212.

The shell 246 extends between the cab 212 and the second rigid member244 and may be draped over support structures slidably attached to therails 40, 42, such that the shell 246 is not merely supported by tensionbetween the cab 212 and the second rigid member 244 and does not sagdownward. The attachment of the end flap 268 directly to the cab 212 andthe second end portion to the second rigid member 244, which is securedto the truck bed allows the shell 246 to twist, bend, and flex relativeto the cab as the truck bed twists, bends, and flexes relative to thecab 212 as the truck travels over a road, particularly a bumpy road.

The cover 240 is selectively deployable or transitional between acollapsed configuration and an extended configuration. In the collapsedconfiguration, at the second rigid member 246 is positioned adjacent therear wall 218 of the cab 212, with the shell 246 and support structuresbeing located under the overhang segment of the cab 212. The secondrigid member 246 is slidable from the collapsed configuration toward theextended configuration by moving the second rigid member 246 away fromthe cab 212 and toward the tailgate of the truck. This movement extendsthe shell 246 over the cab 226 to define an enclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , there is depicted an internal reinforcementmember 288 disposed within the cab 212 to provide support for itemsattached to the cab 212, such as the truck bed cover, or otheraccessories, such as a light bar 290, bike rack, tool box, or any otheraccessory/item which may be disposed in a truck bed and secured or heldin place within the truck bed. The internal reinforcement member 288 maybe attached to, or may be part of, the chassis or frame of the vehicle.The internal reinforcement member 288 may define a configuration that issimilar to the attachment member 242 discussed above. In this respect,the reinforcement member 288 may include a first sidewall 292, a secondsidewall 294, and a top wall 296 extending between the first and secondsidewalls 292, 294. A bottom wall 298 may extend between the first andsecond sidewalls 292, 294 in opposed relation to the top wall 296. Inthis respect, the bottom wall 298 may extend generally parallel to thetop wall 296. In contrast, the first and second sidewalls 292, 294 maybe disposed in a generally non-parallel arrangement, with the first andsecond sidewalls 292, 294 being closer together adjacent the top wall296 than the bottom wall 298. The configuration of the internalreinforcement member 288 depicted in FIG. 11 circumnavigates the cabwindow 295, with the inner periphery of the internal reinforcementmember 288 generally conforming to the outer periphery of the window295.

The internal reinforcement member 288 includes a set of apertures 297formed therein, including at least one aperture, and preferably severalapertures, along each of the sidewalls 292, 294 and the top wall 296.Although the bottom wall 298 depicted in FIG. 12 does not includeapertures, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that one ormore apertures may also be formed in the bottom wall 298. The set ofapertures 297 formed in the reinforcement member 288 are complimentaryto, and aligned with, apertures formed in the cab 212 to allowadvancement of a fastener 256 through both the cab aperture andreinforcement aperture 297 when attaching the accessory 290 to the cab212.

When an accessory 290 is attached to the internal reinforcement member288, the weight of the accessory 290, and any forces associatedtherewith, are transferred to the internal reinforcement member, ratherthan such weight or forces being supported merely by the wall of the cab212.

Referring now to FIG. 12 there is depicted an automation system 300specifically adapted for automating the movement of the truck bed cover240 between its expanded and collapsed positions. More specifically, theautomation system enables selective movement of the second rigid member244 relative to the attachment member 242 and/or the truck bed 16completely between the expanded and collapsed positions, as well aspartially between the expanded and collapsed positions. In this regard,the degree by which the second rigid member 244 is moved relative to theattachment member 242 may be selectively controlled by the user.

According to one embodiment, the automation system 300 generallyincludes a motor 302, a drive gear 304, a belt 306, and a pair of slidemembers 308. The motor 302 may be any suitable mechanism known in theart having suitable power for selectively moving the second rigidmember. The motor 302 is coupled to the drive gear 304 via anintervening axle 310, wherein the motor 302 rotates the axle 310, whichin turn rotates the drive gear 304. The motor 302 is capable of rotatingthe axle 310 in opposing first and second rotational directions, whereinrotation of the axle 310 in the first rotational direction results inmovement of the second rigid member 244 toward the expanded position,and rotation of the axle 310 in the second rotational direction resultsin movement of the second rigid member 244 toward the collapsedposition.

The drive gear 304 may include a plurality of gear teeth which aredesigned to mesh with the belt 306 for driving the belt 306. In theexemplary embodiment, the belt 306 includes a plurality of ribs whichare complimentary to the gear teeth, wherein the gear teeth and beltribs are specifically configured and adapted such that the gear teethmay be received between adjacent belt ribs when the gear tooth is meshedwith the belt 306. Other types of belts, e.g., chain drive belt, knownin the art may also be used without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present disclosure. Moreover, it is also contemplated that thedrive mechanism may be a chain in lieu of a belt and a mating drive gearand sprocket. Alternative, the second rigid member may be traversedbetween the expanded and collapsed positions with a screw drive drivenby the motor 302.

The belt 306 is routed around the drive gear 304 on one end and a pulley312 on the other end, wherein the pulley 312 is specifically configuredand adapted to mesh with the belt 306. Although the exemplary embodimentshows the drive gear 304 and motor 302 located adjacent the cab and thepulley 312 located by the tailgate, it is understood that otherembodiments may include the motor 302, drive gear 304, and pulley 312positioned at other locations. For instance, the pulley 312 may belocated near the cab, and the motor 302 and drive gear 304 may belocated adjacent the tailgate.

The slide members 308 are coupled to the second rigid member 244, withat least one slide member 308 being coupled to the belt 306 to couplethe second rigid member 244 to the belt 306. As such, movement of thebelt 306 creates movement of the second rigid member 244 by virtue ofthe interconnection therebetween via the slide member 308. The slidemembers 308 are coupled to respective side portions of the second rigidmember 244 via any mechanical fastener known in the art, including butnot limited to, rivets, screws, nails, bolts, adhesives, etc. The slidemembers 308 are also translatable relative to the sidewalls of the truckbed. According to one embodiment, the slide members 308 may include atongue or post which slides within a groove or track formed in thesidewall or the rails 40, 42 attached to the sidewalls. As analternative, the slide member 308 may extend around the top of thesidewall between the belt 306 and the second rigid member to enabletranslation of the slide member 308 relative to the sidewall.

The system 300 may include a control mechanism, such as a lever,button(s), switch, etc., for selectively actuating the motor 302 to movethe second rigid member 244. The control mechanism may be integratedinto the driver control in the cab of the truck or located within the240. The system may be configured to allow a user to initiate movementof the second rigid member 244 and cease movement of the second rigidmember 244 at any location between the expanded and collapsed positions.For instance, a user may push a lever in a first direction to move thesecond rigid member 244 toward the expanded position, such that when theuser releases the lever, the movement of the second rigid member 244stops. Likewise, the user may push the lever in a second direction tomove the second rigid member 244 toward the collapsed position, with therelease of the lever causing a stoppage in movement of the second rigidmember 244. Furthermore, the control mechanism may be configured toautomatically stop operation of the motor 302 when the second rigidmember 244 arrives at the expanded position or the collapsed position.

Although the foregoing describes the system 300 as being operated by themotor 302, it is also contemplated that in other embodiments, the system300 is operated manually. For instance, the belt 306 may be driven by amanually operated crank or cable. Furthermore, although the system 300is shown as being used in connection with the embodiment of the truckbed cover 240, it is also contemplated that the system 300 may also beused in connection with truck bed covers 10, 110.

Referring now to FIG. 13 , there is depicted another embodiment of thecover 400 which includes a window 402 incorporated into the shell 404.The window 402 is preferably fabricated from a flexible, transparentmaterial, such as plastic or other materials known by those skilled inthe art. The flexible nature of the window 402 allows the window 402 tobe folded or collapsed when the cover 400 is placed in the collapsedposition. The window 402 may also assume a generally unfolded, orsubstantially planar configuration when the cover is transitioned to theextended position. The window 402 may be attached to the shell 404 via azipper, hooks and loops fasteners, snaps, buttons, or other mechanicalfasteners known in the art. According to one embodiment, when the window402 is attached to the shell 404, the window 402 forms a substantiallyfluid-tight seal with the shell 404 to mitigate entry of rain or otherprecipitation through the interface of the window 402 and the shell 404.To accommodate the window 402, the shell 404 includes an opening 406having a shape which generally corresponds to the shape of the window402. The size of the opening 406 and the window 402 may be such that thewindow 402 substantially covers the opening 406 when the window 402 isattached to the shell 404. The window 402 may be detached from the shell404 to access the truck bed or to provide ventilation/air circulation tothe truck bed. The window depicted in FIG. 14 is formed along a sidewallof the shell 404 at an approximate midpoint, e.g., between the cab 212and the tailgate 215 when the shell 404 is in the expanded position,although it is understood that the placement of the window 402 is notlimited thereto. In this respect, the window 402 may be located anywhereon the shell 404. Furthermore, any number of windows 402 may beincorporated into the shell 404.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-19 , another embodiment of the truck bed cover510 is illustrated. The truck bed cover 510 incorporates the cab 212shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 which integrates the first rigid member 118 intothe cab 12 to form the cab 212. Alternatively, the first rigid member118 may be separate component as shown in hidden lines in FIG. 14 . Inthis regard, the first rigid member may be attached to the cab and isnot integrated into the cab. Additionally, the truck bed cover 510incorporates the second rigid member 244 discussed in relation to FIGS.9 and 10 . The truck bed cover 510 is different from the truck bed cover240 in that the shell 546 (see FIG. 16 ) is supported by a plurality ofhorizontally telescoping support structures 554 that are attached to thecab 212 and the second rigid member 244, whereas, the shell 246, 136shown in FIGS. 7A-10 is supported by support structures 54 that areslidably attached to the rails 40, 42.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 14 , the truck incorporates thecab 212 discussed in relation to FIGS. 9 and 10 in that the rearwardportion of the cab 212 is configured similar to the first rigid members18, 118 discussed above. Certain structural features of the first rigidmembers 18, 118 are integrated directly into the design of the cab 212as a unitary structure of the first rigid member 18, 118 and the cab212, as discussed above. The cab 212 may include a plurality of mountingbrackets 512. The mounting brackets 512 may be positioned about an innerperimeter of the roof 220, first and second side walls 214, 216. Themounting brackets 512 may be permanently or removably securable to firstends of the telescoping support structures 554. Additionally, theattachment between the mounting brackets 512 and the first ends of thetelescoping support structures 554 may allow for pivoting of thesetelescoping support structures 554 to the mounting brackets 512 so thatas the truck moves over uneven terrain and the body of the truck twistsand turns, the second rigid member 244 moves with the bed of the truckand not with the cab 212. This allows the shell 546 to move independentof the cab so that the twisting and turning of the cab 212 when thetruck travels over uneven terrain does not transfer all of the energyfrom the twisting and turning cab 212 to the second rigid member 244.

The pivotal connection between the telescoping support structures 554and the mounting brackets 512 may allow for multi-axes pivoting. Thepivotal connection may be accomplished with a ball joint, universaljoint and the like. The telescoping support structures 554 may betraversed between an extended position shown in FIG. 14 and a collapsedposition shown in FIG. 20 . In the extended position, the telescopingsupport structures 554 extend from the mounting brackets 512 to thesecond rigid member 244. In the collapsed position the length of thetelescoping support structures 554 collapses within each other andallows the second rigid member 244 to lock against the cab 212 (see FIG.20 ). The telescoping support structures 554 may also define second endswhich are pivotally connected to the second rigid member 244. In thesame manner, the pivotal connection between the telescoping supportstructures 554 and the second rigid member 244 may allow for multi-axespivoting and be accomplished with a ball joint, universal joint and thelike.

The telescoping support structures 554 may be straight and extend orcontract solely in the longitudinal direction. The telescoping supportstructures 554 may be oriented horizontally generally parallel to thetruck bed. The telescoping support structures 554 may also besubstituted with non-telescoping support structures 556. Thenon-telescoping support structures 556 may be attached to the cab 212 tothe mounting brackets 512 and the second rigid member 244 when thesecond rigid member 244 is traversed toward the tailgate as shown inFIG. 21 . The non-telescoping support structures 556 may be pivotallyattached to the mounting brackets 512 positioned on the cab 212 and thesecond rigid member 244 in the same fashion as the telescoping supportstructures 554.

The cover 510 also incorporates rails 40, 42 on the first and secondside walls of the truck bed that allow the second rigid member 244 toslidably traverse to the position shown in FIG. 14 as well as slidablybe traversed to the cab 212 when collapsing the truck bed cover 510, asshown in FIG. 20 .

Referring now to FIG. 15 , the shell 546 is shown. The shell 546 mayhave an outer layer that may preferably be watering impermeable, butalso contemplated to be non-water impermeable. The outer layer may beattached to an elastic netting 550. The elastic netting 550 may bedisposed on the bottom side of the outer layer 548. The elastic netting550 may define an outer periphery which is attached to the outerperiphery of the outer layer 548. Preferably, the outer periphery of theelastic netting 550 is smaller than the outer periphery of the outerlayer 548 so that when the shell 546 is attached to the truck bed cover510, the elastic netting 550 may cause the shell 546 to be taut andpressed against the support structures 554, 556. The elastic netting 550may be selectively secured to the outer layer 548 at various pointsinterior to the outer periphery of the outer layer 548.

The outer perimeter of the shell 546 may have a first half of a zipper558. The interior side of the first side wall 214, second side wall 216and the roof 220 may have a second half of the zipper 558. The secondhalf of the zipper 558 may extend beyond the perimeter of the first andsecond side walls 214, 216 and the roof 220. Alternatively, the secondhalf of the zipper 558 may be tucked under the first and second sidewalls 214, 216 and the roof 220 so that rainwater does not seep throughthe zipper 558. Moreover, the first and second halves of the zipper 558may have a water resistant covering to further mitigate passage ofrainwater through the zipper 558. Additionally, the second half of thezipper 558 may also be lined against a length of the first and secondside walls of the truck bed. The second half of the zipper 558 may besecured to the rails 40, 42, and more particularly be disposed on anouter side of the rails 40, 42 to allow rainwater to cascade away fromthe interior of the truck bed and onto the exterior side of the firstand second side walls of the truck bed. The second rigid member 228 mayalso have a second half of the zipper 558 attached to the frontalperimeter of the second rigid member 228. The second half of the zipper558 attached to the second rigid member 228 may be tucked under the leftand right side walls 258, 260 and the roof 262.

Referring now to FIG. 16 , the shell 546 may be aligned to the first andsecond side walls 214, 216 and roof 220 of the cab 212 and the secondrigid member 244 shown in FIG. 16 . To attach the shell 546 to the cab212, second rigid member 244, the shell 546 may have a plurality ofsnaps 516 along an edge that is connected to the first and second sidewalls 214, 216 of the truck bed. The snaps 516 may be secured to a hem561 that extends under the outer layer 548. The snaps 516 may be securedto the corresponding snaps 562 that are disposed interior to the zippers558. The snaps 560, 562 are secured to each other first on both sides(i.e., passenger and driver sides) of the shell 546. The elastic netting550 draws the outer layer 548 tight against the supporting structures554, 556 when the snaps 560, 562 are engaged to each other on both sidesat the first and second side walls of the truck bed. The hem 561 islayered over the hem 564 so that water that falls on the outer layer 548cascades down the side of the side walls 214, 216. Moreover, the zippers558 are attached over the overlapping hems 561, 564 to further preventor mitigate water from entering the truck bed area. Referring now toFIG. 18 , the snaps 560, 562 are engaged to each other. Referring now toFIG. 19 , first and second halves of the zipper 558 are secured to eachother by the slider 566.

The shell 546 may have a window 568 on one or both sides. Moreover, theouter layer 548 of the shell 646 is or may be fabricated from a flexiblematerial. In a variant of the shell 546, the shell 546 may be a rigidmember that is shaped, sized and configured to fit between the cab 212and the second rigid member 244 as shown in FIGS. 20-24 .

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 20-24 , a rigid shell 646 andan installation of the same 646 onto a truck bed is shown. The secondrigid member 244 may be in a closed position wherein the second rigidmember 244 is butted up against cab 212 (see FIG. 20 ) and held in placeby latching mechanisms. The second rigid member 244 may be released byway of handles 52 upon which the second rigid member 244 may bereattached to the back end of the truck bed 16 or the second rigidmember 244 may be slid along rails 40, 42 mounted to the first andsecond side walls 22, 24 of the truck bed 16. FIG. 21 illustrates thesecond rigid member 244 attached to the back end of the truck bed 16.The rigid shell 646 may be mounted between the cab 212 and the secondrigid member 244 and secured thereto. An inner perimeter 604 of the leftand right side walls 214, 216 and the roof 220 of the cab 212 may have aplurality of threaded holes 600. These threaded holes 600 receive bolts602.

The rigid shell 646 may have a first surface 608 that mates with theinner perimeter 604 on which the threaded holes 600 are formed. Theinner perimeter may be defined by the rear portion of the cab 212wherein the first rigid member 118 is integrated into the cab.Alternatively, the first rigid member 118 may be separate component asshown in hidden lines in FIG. 21 . In this regard, the first rigidmember may be attached to the cab and is not integrated into the cab. Agasket may be disposed between the inner perimeter 604 and the firstsurface 608 to form a water tight seal therebetween and to mitigateentry of rain water into the truck bed area. The gasket and the firstsurface 608 of the rigid shell 646 may have corresponding holes throughwhich the bolts 602 are inserted. When the bolts 602 are threaded ontothe threaded holes 600, a watertight seal is formed between the cab 212and the rigid shell 646. The gasket may extend along the entire lengthof the first surface 608 so that a water tight seal is formed along theentire sides.

The rigid shell 646 may have a front end portion 610 that is slightlysmaller than the main central portion of the rigid shell 646. The frontend portion 110 may be tucked under and between the roof 220 and theside walls 214, 216, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 . To tuck the front endportion 110 between and under the side walls 214, 216 and the roof 220,the second rigid member 244 may be tilted backwards as shown in FIG. 23. Alternatively, the second rigid member 244 may be removed from thetruck bed. Once the front end portion 110 is tucked between and undersidewall 214, sidewall 216, roof 220, the bolts 602 are threaded intothe threaded holes 600 and tightened. The gasket which may be disposedbetween the perimeter 604 and the first surface 608 is compressed andcreates a water tight seal between the rigid shell 646 and the cab 212.

The second rigid member 244 is then tilted back to the vertical positionor reattached to the back end of the truck bed. The second rigid member244 is attached to the rear end of the truck bed and the rear end of therigid shell 646. The second rigid member 244 may be attached to the rearend of the truck bed with the rails discussed above. The second rigidmember 244 may be slidably secured to the rails. The second rigid member244 may have a pivotable joint to allow the second rigid member 244 totilt backwards as shown in FIG. 23 . Alternatively, the second rigidmember 244 may be bolted to the truck bed at the back end.

The second rigid member 244 may also be secured to the rear end of therigid shell 646 by way of a threaded hole 600 and bolts 602 connectionas shown in FIG. 23 . A gasket may be disposed between the rear end ofthe shell 646 and the second rigid member 244 to provide for awatertight seal therebetween. The left and right sides or edges 612, 614may extend exterior to the edges 616, 618 of the truck bed 16 so thatwater that drips on the rigid shell 646 cascades off of the rigid shell646 and on to the exterior of the left and right sides of the truck bed16 and onto the ground.

The rigid shell 646 is not directly attached to the truck bed 16 but isattached to the cab 212 and the second rigid member 244. In this regard,the shell 646 provides or transfers less energy to the second rigidmember 244 as the truck rolls over uneven terrain and the cab 212 movesseparate from the truck bed 16.

It is contemplated that the window 56, 156, 264, 557, 657 shown in FIGS.5, 7A, 9, 14 and 24 may be removably attached to the second rigid member20, 120 244 shown in FIGS. 1, 7A, 9, 14, 244 shown in FIGS. 1, 7A, 9, 14and 24 . When the window 56, 156, 264, 557, 657 is removed from thesecond rigid member 20, 120, 244 and the second rigid member 20, 120,244 is traversed to the collapsed position shown in FIG. 1, 20 , thefull length of the truck bed is available for use. For example, a fullsized adult motorcycle can be loaded onto the truck bed. Alternatively,the window may be optionally replaced back onto the second rigid member20, 120, 244 and the second rigid member 20, 120, 244 traversed to theextended position so that the user can secure an enclosed space in thetruck bed area.

Referring now to FIGS. 24-29 , windows 700 a, b, c which are removablyattachable to the shell 36 (see FIG. 3 ), 136 (see FIG. 7A), 246 (seeFIG. 12 ), 404 (see FIG. 13 ), 546 (see FIG. 15 ) are shown. The shell36, 136, 246, 404, 546 may be supported by support structures 54 thatextend from sidewall to sidewall of the truck bed (see FIGS. 3, 7A, 12,13 and 15 ) or horizontally telescoping support structures 554 thatextend between the first and second members 18, 20, 120, 244 (see FIG.15 ) or from the second rigid member 244 to the rear of the cab (seeFIG. 21 ) or a first rigid member 118. The cover 10, 110, 240, 400, 510,may have removably attachable windows 700 a, b. The second rigid member20, 120, 244 may have a removably attachable window 700 c.

The shell 36, 136, 246, 404, 546 may have one or more openings 702 a, b,c. The openings 702 a, b may be shaped as a rectangular shape (see FIG.29 ) but other shapes are also contemplated including but not limited toround, oval, triangular, polygonal and any other shape. The cover may beretrofitted onto an existing truck (FIG. 24 ) or the vehicle (i.e.,truck) may be equipped with the cover from the factory as an originalequipment manufacturer's part.

When the cover is mounted to the truck bed, the cover may be in thecollapsed position, as shown in FIG. 25 . A storage container 704 (e.g.,box, plastic box, metallic box) may be located in the truck bedimmediately behind the cab. The storage container 704 may have a lid 706that is traversable between open and closed positions. In FIG. 26 , thelid 706 is shown as being in the open position. The storage container704 may contain one or more windows 700 a, b, c. FIG. 26 shows thewindows 700 a, b, c being taken out from the storage container 704. Thewindows 700 may be removed from the storage container 704 when the useris ready to traverse the cover from the collapsed position (see FIG. 25) to the deployed position (see FIG. 29 ).

The window(s) 700 a, b, c may be removed from the storage container 704before the second member is traversed toward the tailgate for ease ofhandling compared to the situation where the second is already traversedto the tailgate. The user may place the windows 700 a, b, c outside ofthe truck bed so that it would be easier to handle windows 700 a, b, cwhen the user is ready to mount the windows 700 a, b, c to the cover.With the windows 700 a, b, c removed and disposed outside of the truckbed, the user may now traverse the second rigid member to the tailgateor the deployed position, as shown in FIG. 27 . Referring now to FIG. 28, the window 700 is now pivotally attached to the second rigid memberand the windows 700 a, b is pivotally attached to the shell. The windows700 a, b, c are traversable between the closed position, as shown inFIG. 28 and the open position, as shown in FIG. 29 .

Referring now to FIGS. 28A-28C, the windows 700 a, b and how the windows700 a, b may be mounted to the shell are described. This method is onlymeant to describe one method of mounting the windows 700 a, b to theshell. Other methods are also contemplated as described below.

The window 700 a, b may include an inner frame 708 shown in FIG. 28A andan outer frame 710 shown in FIG. 28B. The inner and outer frames 708,710 may be fabricated from a plastic material, heavy duty fabricmaterial (e.g., multi layered nylon material), metallic material. Theinner and outer frames 708, 710 may sandwich an inner peripheral portion712 of the openings 702 a, b of the shell. The inner peripheral portion712 of the shell 36 and the inner and outer frames, 708, 710 may have acorresponding set of holes 714 a, b, c which are used to clamp the innerand outer frames, 708, 710 to the inner peripheral portion 712 of theopening 702 a, b of the shell 36. In particular, the inner frame 708 mayhave a plurality of threaded holes 714 a. The outer frame 710 may have aplurality of counter sunk or counter sink holes 714 b. The innerperipheral portion 712 of the openings 702 a. b may have through holes714 c. The inner periphery 716 of the inner frame 708 may be identicaland match the inner periphery of 718 of the outer frame 710. Likewise,the inner periphery 720 of the openings 702 a, b may match the innerperipheries 714, 716, as shown in FIG. 28C.

The inner frame 708 may be disposed on an interior side of the shell 36.The outer frame 710 may be disposed on an exterior side of the shell 36.The holes 714 a, b and c may also be matched to each other in terms ofsize and position so that a screw or bolt can be inserted in all threeholes 714 a, b, c. Screws or bolts 722 may be screwed into the threadedholes 712 and used to clamp the inner and outer frames 708, 710 onto theinner peripheral portion 712 of the openings 702 a, b of the shell. Thescrews or bolts may fit flush into the countersunk or countersink holes714 b of the outer frame 710. Although the inner and outer frames 708,710 have been described as applying a clamping force to the innerperipheral portion 712 with screws or nuts and bolts, it is alsocontemplated that the inner and outer frames 708, 710 may be secured toeach other by way of corresponding snaps fitted onto the inner and outerframes 708, 710 or corresponding magnets/magnets and materials attractedto magnets fitted on the inner and outer frames 708, 710.

The inner peripheral portion 712 of the openings 702 a, b may bereinforced so that the openings 702 a, b may hold its shape even if thewindows 700 a, b are not secured to the shell. The reinforcement member726 may be a border of thick fabric (e.g., nylon, cotton, linen, wool)which can bend or fold upon itself so that the shell and thereinforcement member 726 can be folded and tucked between the firstrigid member/cab and the second rigid member. The reinforcement member726 may be fabricated from a stiff but foldable multi layered nylonmaterial. The stiffness of the reinforcement member 726 may besufficient to hold the opening 702 a, b to its shape when the windows700 a, b are not mounted to the shell of the cover. For example, theopening 702 a, b will not sag more than 3 inches. The reinforcementmember 726 may have the same shape, size and configuration as the innerand outer frame members 716, 718 so that the reinforcement member ishidden between or under the respective inner and outer frame members716, 718. One or more layers of the reinforcement member 726 may bedisposed on an exterior side of the shell at the inner peripheralportion 712. Also, one or more layers of the reinforcement member 726may be disposed on an interior side of the shell at the inner peripheralportion 712.

As shown in FIG. 29 , the outer frame 710 may have extension members 724which can hold up the windows 700 a, b, c in the open position. Theextension members 724 may comprise two members which telescope withrespect to each other. The two members may be biased outward. A distalend of the first member may be secured to the outer frame 710. A distalend of the second member may be secured to the inner frame 708.

Moreover, the window 700 may also be pivotally attached to the secondoriginal member as shown in FIG. 29 . The attachment may be by screws,nuts and bolts, or powerful magnets.

The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation.Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devisevariations that are within the scope and spirit of the inventiondisclosed herein, including various ways of configuring the outerconfiguration of the first and second rigid members 18, 20. Further, thevarious features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone,or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to belimited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope ofthe claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle comprising: a cab for carryingpassengers; a bed extending from a rear portion of the cab and havingopposed first and second sidewalls; and a cover comprising: a rigidmember connected to the first and second sidewalls of the bed; aflexible portion fabricated from a flexible sheet and having a first endportion and a second end portion, the first end portion fixedlysecurable to the cab, the second end portion fixedly securable to therigid member; a structure attached to the opposed first and secondsidewalls; wherein the flexible portion is supported on the structureand any rigid support structure fixedly attached to the opposed firstand second sidewalls is not fixedly attached to the cab so that forcesfrom the cab are not transferred between the cab and the truck bed.